Despite the traditional binary opposition of Cowboys and Indians, a group of people in opposition to the TransCanada pipeline have formed the Cowboy Indian Alliance, joining together in defense against a project that threatens their land rights as well as water quality.

The Cowboy Indian Alliance plans to demonstrate in Washington D.C. on April 26, 2014, just prior to the date planned for President Obama’s final decision on the TransCanada pipeline RejectandProtect.org. 

The Cowboy Indian Alliance was preceded by the Black Hills Alliance formed in 1979 by ranchers and Indians in opposition to uranium mining. Once again, Indigenous peoples and local farmers ranchers have put aside past differences to try to preserve their land rights, and protect the environments on which they depend for sustenance.

I also want to share with you the following video of Sicangu Lakota Hereditary Chief John Spotted Tail because he gives such a great explanation of why the Lakota are opposing the TransCanada pipeline and why they resist, even against the tremendous odds.